Last October we published our Ultimate General Conference Rumor List because we felt was important (and fun) to collect all the rumors we had in one place and to see if any were actually true.
So, we want to continue with a March 2019 Rumor List ahead of next month's General Conference.
Here is a compilation of all the rumors I hear going around:
- There is a widespread rumor that people are expecting an announcement about a change to the Word of Wisdom, specifically allowing tea and coffee
- It has been suggested that the change might be preceded by a focusing on principles rather than specifics
- Sunday/Church
- Make changes to Fast and Testimony meetings to have more control over who speaks. Possibly invite people ahead of time.
- Women
- Women, or more specifically a woman who is possibly the bishop's wife, will participate with the bishop in worthiness interviews
- Women will be allowed to participate in and possibly give blessings
- Allow girls to prepare and pass the sacrament, possibly only in areas with few aaronic priesthood holders
- Callings
- Make changes to some callings that can currently only be filled by priesthood holders to be filled by women and men
- Missions
- One prominent rumor is that kids are receiving mission calls that say the length of mission will be announced at General Conference. There has yet to be any proof that this is happening and is similar to rumors before last General Conference.
- A change or emphasis on service missions and/or local missions
- Change mission age so that men and women can begin missions at the same age
- Temples
- Making the garments a piece of temple clothing that is not worn outside the temple
- An announcement of many new temples. Apparently, Russell M. Nelson wants that to be part of his legacy.
- Separate civil marriages and temple sealings worldwide
- Scriptures
- Of course, there is always the chance, some might say fear, that the Proclamation will be canonized
- We'll hear more about Heavenly Mother
- Change to the Office of Patriarch
- A new Church Handbook of Instructions will be released
